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E-mail Xinhua, March 12, 2025
Bayern Munich secured its place in the Champions League quarterfinals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, completing a 5-0 aggregate triumph.
Leverkusen, which lost 3-0 in the first leg, faced further challenges with the absence of Florian Wirtz due to injury. Bayern took control early, stifling Leverkusen's attempts to build momentum.
Jamal Musiala (C) of Bayern Munich breaks through during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd leg football match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich in Leverkusen, Germany, March 11, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)
The visitors nearly struck first in the fifth minute when Jamal Musiala set up Harry Kane, but Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky made a crucial save.
Bayern maintained relentless pressure, with Kane testing Hradecky from distance and Michael Olise firing wide in quick succession in the 15th minute.
Despite Leverkusen's struggles to break through Bayern's defense, Patrik Schick came close with a header that narrowly missed in the 37th minute and sent another effort into the side netting just before halftime.
Bayern broke through early in the second half. Joshua Kimmich's free kick caused confusion in the box, allowing Kane to pounce and slot the ball home from close range in the 52nd minute.
With a 4-0 aggregate lead, Bayern stayed in control and sought to extend its advantage. Alphonso Davies delivered the final blow in the 71st minute, finishing a fluid move to double Bayern's lead on the night and extinguish any lingering hopes for Leverkusen.
The Bavarians continued to press, with Jamal Musiala hitting the post twice in the closing stages.
The result solidified Bayern's status as Champions League contenders, capping a dominant two-legged performance that sent the team through to the last eight.
"A really good performance from us. From the first few minutes we didn't want to defend the lead, we wanted to go forward and put them under pressure to create some chances and win the game. In the second half we knew they had to come out and try something and we punished them," said Bayern striker Kane.
"After both games we have to say that Bayern was the better side. We are disappointed. We didn't create any chances. Bayern was clearly the better side, and we have to admit that today," said Leverkusen captain Lukas Hradecky.
